Chapter 23: Of Sacred Blood
A couple days have passed since Chrom have sent a messenger to Plegia castle. Since then, the healers have been busy treating the injured people of Port Ferox and a few of the Shepherds. By the third say at sunrise, Frederick approaches Chrom and Robin having the messenger came back.
"Milord, we have word from Plegia." He says. "They have agreed to meet with us at their outpost on Carrion Isle. A poor venue should things go sour, as the island's name makes plain. But then I don't see we have much of a choice."
"Cautious as ever, Frederick the Wary." Chrom says. "Don't worry. We'll get out ships. This threat hangs over all of us–Plegia as well. They must see that."
Upon entering the castle on Carrion Isle, Chrom, Robin, Frederick, Reina, and their Pokémon partner walk through the hallway and into the throne room where Aversa was waiting for them.
"Greetings, Prince Chrom. Plegia welcomes you." She greets.
"Aversa!" Chrom exclaims.
"What can I say? It seems fate has designs for me yet."
"You serve the new king, then? This… Validar?" Reina asks.
"I do."
"They say he worships Grima…" Frederick says.
"Why yes, of course he is Grimleal. We are both believers. My liege often says it was his faith that got him through, after Gangrel's passing. It was a difficult time… But he kept order where there might have been chaos. We had meant to arrange an official visit to Ylisstol, but–Ah, here is my lord now."
Entering the room surprises the group in shock as they see who Validar is. This man is the very person who led the attack at Ylisstol castle when Emmeryn was still alive.
"An honor to finally meet you, sire. I am Validar, king regnant of Plegia." Validar greets.
"The honor is mine, good king." Chrom hesitantly says. "…Is it possible we've met before some…" He stops and recognizes the Plegian king. "Gods! It can't be."
"Oh ho. I'm quite certain I would remember any encounter with Ylissean royalty."
"Psst! Robin, Reina!" Chrom whispers.
"I know! He looks just like the assassin that came after Emmeryn…" Robin whispers back.
"But why is he here?" Reina whispers.
"And you must be Lady Robin and Lady Reina." Validar says.
"You know of us, sire?" The tactician asks.
"The whole world knows of Ylisse's master tactician and master tamer!" Validar states and looks straight into Robin's eyes. "And indeed, I see the sparkle of wisdom in your eyes."
"But we killed him, Robin!" Chrom whispers.
"I know but… The resemblance… it's uncanny…"
"How could he possibly–"
"My, the negotiations haven't even begun and already so much whispering…" The new king states.
"…My apologies, King Validar. We meant no disrespect." Chrom says.
"Chrom? What should we do?" Robin whispery asks the exalt.
"Nothing for now. But stay close, and be ready for anything…"
"Then let us get to it."
"Plegia can offer no soldiers, but will provide 800 warships and 200 transports." Aversa says. "In addition, we would be pleased to fully fund the campaign against Valm."
"That is… surprisingly generous of you, milord. We could not ask for more, literally. You offer most all your assets…" Frederick points out.
"I would give troops as well, but our army remains in shambles from the last war. I trust the gold and ships will suffice as a sign of commitment to the cause?" Validar asks.
"Of course it will. Thank you, King Validar." Chrom replies.
"The honor is ours, my prince. I'm looking forward to building a strong bond between our two nations."
"As do I. Then, if there's nothing else? My men and I must hurry back to Port Ferox."
"Oh, so soon? But I have one more introduction to make." Aversa states.
"…Yes? And who would that be?"
"A hierophant, the highest of her order in all Plegia." Validar answers.
Just after he said that the hierophant enters the room and approaches to the group. Seeing the person before them has her hood covering her face.
"…So you lead the people in worship? We were just discussing religion earlier…" Robin says but the hierophant didn't say anything. "…I'm sorry, have I said something to offend you?"
"…The heart still sleeps, but the blood flows through it. And the blood is strong…" The hierophant speaks.
"…Huh? Beg pardon, were you talking to me?"
"Good hierophant, I would ask you lower your cowl. In Ylisse, it is a courtesy expected of one on the presence of royalty." Frederick says.
The hierophant didn't say immediately and answers, "…You are a long way from Ylisse, sir. …But very well…" The Hierophant takes the hood off, which surprises the group even further especially both Robin and Drago. "Is that better?"
"What?!" Robin exclaims.
"Head?!" Drago exclaims.
"By the gods!" Chrom shouts.
"What manner of sorcery–!" Frederick shouts.
"What the–?!" Reina shouts.
"Pika!"
"She looks just like… me."
Indeed, the hierophant looks identical to the Ylisse tactician, the hair, face, and even the voice.
"My name is Robin. Oh, and that was YOUR name as well, wasn't it? What a strange coincidence…"
"Why that IS rather curious, now that you mention it… what are the odds?" Validar questions but looks at the group. "In any case, I believe we are finished here. We will let you be on your w–"
"Hold just one moment!" Chrom shouts.
"Milord?" Aversa asks.
"What is the meaning of this? Why do your hierophant and Robin–"
"I'm afraid we've no time for such trivial matters now, your highness. We have aid preparations to attend to, and you have a long, hard journey ahead… Oh, and do be careful on your way back to Port Ferox. This time of tear the highroads of Plegia can be quite treacherous…"
It is finally night as most of the Shepherds began to head back to their tents to prepare themselves for their voyage out to sea the next day for their next battle as some of the other Shepherds remained on guard duty during the night. Despite knowing the importance of getting rest, Robin has been unable to get any sleep that night. She then sigh of irritation and decides to take a walk out of her tent after putting her armored robe and tome in hand. She stops to an empty training ground sighing again.
"It's no use. I can't sleep. Who was that woman? How could she bear my same face?" Robin questions.
"Robin… Heed me, Robin…" A voice calls.
"Huh? Who's there?!" She looks around to see no one is there. "Th-there's no one. I'm alone…"
"Heed my call, Robin…"
Just then Robin holds her head in pain. "Nngh… This voice is… in my head! Who are you?! What's happening?!"
In Robin's eyes, Validar appears before her. "Why do you close your heart to him, Robin?" He questions.
"V-Validar?"
"Have you truly forgotten?"
"You were… calling me… Augh! My head! Get out of my mind!"
"Heh heh. Such arrogance! You dare take such a tone… with your own father?!"
"…My what?"
"You are my flesh, but of sacred blood. You are to serve a glorious purpose! Search deep in your heart. You already know it is your destiny…"
"No… Get…out…"
"Why do you resist us, Robin? Your rightful place is at my side. Not wasting your time with these doomed servants of Naga! Give yourself to Grima! Let me join your strength to the fell dragon!"
"Robin!"
"Head-head!"
Chrom and Drago rush towards her seeing the tactician in pain, fearing that she would soon collapse.
"…Pah! Not this one again… No matter. In time you will see the truth. And that is all it will be–a matter of time…"
Validar soon disappears from Robin's sight as the pain in her head also gone.
"Robin! Are you all right?" Chrom asks with a concerned look. "I heard shouting."
"Mozu?" Drago walks up to her.
Finally, the tactician pulls herself together as she slowly steadies herself and looks towards them. "I-I think so… Yes, Chrom, I'm… I'm fine."
Chrom frowns. "'Fine' is a poor choice of words! What's happened?!"
"…King Validar, he… He spoke to me… in my mind. He said I was his… his daughter…"
The revelation left the two dumbfounded as Chrom shouts in shock, "What?! …Is this true?"
"I don't know… But I also don't know it's a lie. Loath as I am to say, I felt a… a strange connection, between us."
"Oh, gods… That hierophant doppelganger… Could she be the king's daughter, as well? Are you twins?"
At the words of this, Robin clenches her fist in frustration. "I… I'm sorry, Chrom. I can't remember… But if I'm being honest… it would explain much… I'm not even sure I want to know the truth of my past anymore…"
"You are yourself, before you are any man's daughter. Remember that."
"…Thank you, Chrom."
"Head!" Dihead brings his front legs on Robin's legs.
"Thank you, Drago." Robin pets her partner.
"Can you walk?"
"Yes… yes, I think so."
Chrom carefully leads Robin back to the camp with Drago behind her and just as they enter, Frederick runs up to him.
"Milord, we are under attack! Risen have encircled the camp!" He exclaims.
"But… we posted sentries! How did this happen?" Chrom asks.
"They made a stealthy approach, milord. I've never see Risen behave like this. Either they are learning our ways, or someone is commanding them…"
"Validar! This is his doing–I'm sure of it. Equip anyone who can bear arms, and tell them we fight for our lives!"
With that order, the militia quickly grabs what they can and fled into the woods as they fight against the oncoming horde of undead. After hours of running, Chrom and the Shepherds finally found themselves in a dead end in a ravine surrounded by hordes of Risen.
"Chrom! It's a dead end!" Lissa says in horror as she looks around their surroundings.
"I know that, Lissa! Damn it! Rob-"
Out of the blue, a large flock of crows flies around them blinding some of the Risens around them as they engulf the undead enemies.
"Wh-what's that? A storm of…crows? Gods, it's upon us!"
The sight of the ominous crows sends a few of their soldiers flailing as they try to get some of the crows off their shoulders and head.
"Stop!" Meena shouts out waving her hands to stop the prince from accidentally killing one. "I think they're helping us."
"CAW! CAW! Are you folks lost? Or perhaps a lost CAWs? Heh ha!"
They look around in panic as they fight off the incoming Risens.
"Who's there?! Show yourself!" The prince shouts among the large numbers of crows. "God's breath, I can't see anything through all these damned birds! Sorry, Meena, but-…Shoo! Scat! Away with you!"
With a swing of his sword, the crows immediately scatter through the dark sky. As they did so, a silver hair mage in Plegian clothing with a tome in hand stands as the birds fly off.
"What's wrong?" The man says with a laugh. "CAW-strophobic? Nyahaha! Oh, I slay me!"
Both Reina and Meena have a sweatdrop on their heads as Meena could only laugh weakly. Chrom however clearly didn't have the time to react as the others did and call out to him. "Not if these Risen do it first! This is no time for japes! Hide yourself boy!"
"You know, I thought you were all right…" The man says with a smile. "Turns you're all FRIGHT! Nyahaha! I'd wish you good luck killing these monsters, buuuut… They're ALREADY DEAD!"
"Can you please just stop with these puns?!" Kai shouts.
Chrom, however, ignores the swordsman and says to the dark mage, "We are well aware!"
As if ignoring the urgency of the dire situation they are in, the man just continues to smile brightly. "The ravens want me to give you a message. 'Caaw… C-caw-caw.' Roughly translated, it means…" He pauses and places a hand on his chin and mutters, "Now, what was the human word for that again? …Traipse? …Tripe? Oh, TRAPPED! Right!" He then glances at the busy exalt, who is still taking down incoming Risens. "…They say you're trapped."
"We know, damn it!" Chrom shouts in frustration. "Gods… where do they all come from?"
"Well, see, when a mommy zombie and daddy zombie love each other very much-"
One of the crows above dives down towards the mage while its beak glows and starts pecking rapidly at him causing him to scream in pain.
"Owie… What was that for, Kara?"
"Ka! Ka-ka! Ka!"
"I think it's trying to tell you to stop fooling around?" Meena guesses.
"Other than that, that's Yamikarasu!" Reina points out taking out her Zukan.
"Yamikarasu, the Darkness Pokémon. Yamikarasu confuses would-be attackers by luring them into dark mountain trails, where they are sure to get lost."
"Putting that aside… As your friend said, if you don't stop, perhaps I should save the Risen the trouble and silence you myself." Chrom says with a threatening glare.
"Hey, wait! I want to join your CAWs-" The man stops with a nervous smile. "I mean, I can help you! I know magic! What do you say… Birds of a feather and all that?"
At his word, Chrom stops in his tracks and raises a brow. "Those robes… A Plegian dark mage? …why would you help us?"
"Oh, don't let all the joking around fool ya- I've got kind of thing for killing." The cheerful man says. "Most funny people do, you know. The two things must be linked somehow. Ever talk to a jester when he's off duty? Those guys are some sick dastards! Oh! The ravens also said to keep an eye on those fortresses. If you're nearby when more monsters emerge, it could CAWs quite stir! And my name is Henry, in case you need help just CAW! Nyahaha!"
Both Reina and Meena are speechless as an imaginative cold wind blows through them.
"That's cold." Reina says.
"Yeah." Meena agrees.
With new additions to the Shepherds, Henry and his partner Pokémon, Kara fight against the undead. The battle continued on for what seems like hours before Chrom decides to go after the leader of the horde with Luke, Robin, and Drago. It took a while, but the four made it to the leader which it begins to attack. With the sudden attack, Chrom blocks it with his sword with Luke attacks the undead leader with Robin and Drago supports them by sending their magic and attacks. Both Chrom and Luke end the leader with two different slashes that form an X, subsequently, the horde begins to slow down much to the Shepherds' relief.
On the bridge, Chrom finally lets out a sigh of relief as he finally brings down his blade. "That's the last of them. Gods, I thought it might nev-"
"Chrom, look out!" Robin shouts in shock.
Suddenly, another Risen appears in front of the four and rushes over to the exalt.
"Huh?! Ah!" Chrom exclaims with wide eyes and tries to defend himself.
"Chrom!" Luke calls out as he goes to protect his partner.
However, with the speed of the Risen and the distance between them, the Ylissean prince and Ellade are unable to do so in time.
"Father, no!"
Suddenly a streak of blue dashes out from behind them and forcefully pushes the Great Lord aside as she blocks the incoming attack now coming at her. The undead quickly jumps back and immediately vanishes into thin air. Seeing that the enemy is gone, Marth let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods you're safe!"
"…You called me 'Father'." Chrom asks in confusion.
Hearing this, Marth's eyes widen in shock. "Did I? I… …Perhaps we might speak privately?"
"Perhaps we should, yes."
Moving to a different location where they are near a river Marth tries to explain to Chrom.
"I don't know where to begin." She says.
"I already know you're not 'Marth' though I've nothing better to call you… But I'll ask nothing of you that you don't wish to reveal." Chrom says. "Whoever you are, Ylisse owes a debt beyond repaying."
"Thank you, but… I think I would prefer you to know the truth. Here… Look closely, and all will be made clear." Marth takes a deep breath and walks closer to Chrom before turning towards him.
Looking closer to her face, Chrom gasps seeing the brand in her left eye. "That's the Brand of the Exalt…" He then widens his eyes in a realization of who she is. "Lucina…" The exalt looks down to the other Falchion in her possession. "You deserve better from me than one sword and a world of troubles. I'm sorry."
Tears spill out from her eyes and she tries to hold back her voice when Chrom brings his hand up wiping off the tears causing her to look up.
"Oh, Father!" She cries and hugs Chrom. "Father…"
The two distance themselves as Lucina calms down.
"Better, Lucina?" Chrom asks.
"Yes, Father… I'm sorry. It just all rushed back at once." Lucina replies.
"Father…" Chrom repeats.
"Should I call you something else?"
"No, it's just strange to my ear. …I like it."
"…Father! Heh heh…"
"Hah! Yes, it will take some getting used to!" Chrom scratches his head.
"I'm sorry–Chrom?"
He turns and sees his wife, Reina, and Kai behind them. "Hmm? Oh, Robin, Reina. What is it?"
"It just that… You two are out here alone, and Marth is… crying. This is how ill rumors are born." Robin says. "I trust you Chrom, but is there a reason you and Marth need to be alone?"
"That's right, Chrom." Reina agrees.
"Can we tell her, Lucina?" Chrom asks.
"Of course." Lucina replies.
"Lucina?!" Robin repeats in shock.
"Robin, this is going to come as a shock, but… I'll just say it: This is our daughter."
"…What?! Have you gone mad?!" Robin shouts.
"It's true, Robin." The woman says as she walks over to her. "Please, look closely. Prove it with your own eyes by looking into mine."
As she said this, Robin including Reina glances at her left eye, where the Brand of the Exalt was supposed on their infant.
The tactician gasps in shock. "Ah! You have the Brand!"
Chrom nods with a smile. "The same Brand carried by all House Ylisse's bloodline."
"Lucina's eyes bear the same exact pattern…"
"Do you see now?" The captain asks with a smile.
"…No, no I can't say that I do. If this is Lucina, What has befallen our baby back at the palace?"
"Nothing. She's fine."
"Your baby is right where you left her, and perfectly safe. I am her from another time. From a time that is yet to be." Lucina says.
"You mean… the future?" Robin asks with uncertainty.
"Yes, more than 10 years hence. After history takes a dark and most destructive turn…"
"But why? What happens in the future?!"
"The fell dragon, Grima, is resurrected." The future princess answers. "His roar is a death knell for man, a scream that silences all hope… Death everywhere…"
"Chrom? …Our whole company? All of us? Dead?!"
Lucina hesitantly answers. "…Yes."
"…I…I don't know what to say."
"A tale that beggars belief, and yet the truth of it stands before us." Chrom says. "She carries Falchion, my same sword. And the same sword the first exalt used to defeat Grima long ago."
"Your blade and mine are one, Father. It was… It was all I had left of you." Lucina says.
"There is only one Falchion, Robin. I believe her."
"Yeah, and so do I!" Lissa appears behind a tree and walks towards them. "Heck, I saw her COME from the future! She fell right out of the sky! I've never seen anything like it…"
"Thank you, Aunt Lissa." The blue-haired princess says. "Naga, the divine dragon, feared mankind would face Grima again. In preparation for that day, she devise a ritual. It allows one to return to the past and alter events already written. I made the journey together with others, but… we became separated."
"Don't worry, Lucina. If they're out there, we'll find 'em!"
Robin examines Lucina's figure since she still thinks it is hard to believe that the woman before her is her daughter. "My daughter…"
"Yes, Robin. Your daughter."
"You have grown into such a strong and beautiful woman… Chrom and I are truly blessed."
"Thank you… milady."
"Will you not me Mother?"
"I… thought you might mind."
"Of course not! I love you with all my heart!"
Lucina starts to sniffles and rushes over to embrace her mother. "Oh, Mother…"
"You are the finest daughter a woman could hope for, Lucina."
"Mother… Oh, I've missed you more than you'll ever know…"
Reina smiles at the scene when she notices something is missing and looks around.
"Lucina." She calls. "Where's your partner?"
Lucina separates the hug and looks down. "The thing is… She, Adella ran away two days ago."
"Ran away…" Reina mutters as she has her chin cupped before looking up. "Was she aggressive towards you at sometimes?"
Lucina shoots her head towards the trainer. "Yes!"
"Do you have an idea, Reina?" Robin asks.
"Yeah. Iwanko has the tendency to act aggressively when it's close to evolving."
"Evolving?" Lucina repeats.
"In other words, when Adella comes back, she will be in a different form. But…"
"What's wrong?" Chrom asks.
"I don't know which form Adella will evolve to."
"What do you mean?"
"I mentioned this before. How most Pokémon evolved in different conditions."
"Yes."
"For Iwanko, it gains experiences and when the time it evolves it evolved into two different forms from two opposite times of the day. Those times are during either the day time or night. However, there is one thing that's certain. Lucina, your partner didn't abandon you. She will come back stronger."
"Reina…"
They then notice the sun rising just when they hear rustling behind them causing the group to turn at the rustling. They cautiously stare at it until something came out. Out from the bushes is a light brown wolf. It has a white underbelly that extends up around its muzzle and eyes in a mask-like marking. It has pointed ears with dark brown tips and pink insides, big blue eyes, and a triangular, dark brown nose. There are four sharp fangs in its mouth: two in the upper jaw and two in the lower. Large tufts of brown fur extend from the sides of its head; three tufts on each side. A bushy, white mane covers its neck. Four dark brown rocks poke out of its mane, creating a shape similar to a stylized sun. The lower portions of this form's legs are white, and each foot has three dark brown claws. It also has a long, fluffy white tail.
"That…" Reina trails off and gets her Zukan out.
"Lugarugan, the Wolf Pokémon. The sharp rocks in its mane can cut like knives. Lycanroc wears its prey down by degrees before finishing them off."
Lucina notices something about this Pokémon and narrows her eyes at it. "You're… Could it be… Adella?"
The Pokémon stand there staring at Lucina, but it starts waving its tail hearing the name.
"Go." Reina tells the future princess getting her attention. "If you really think that's your partner, then go to her."
Lucina looks at the trainer and moves to Lugarugan before she runs towards it as the Wolf Pokémon runs towards her. As the two gets closer to each other, Lucina immediately hugs the Pokémon as it nuzzles her.
"Ow! Ow! But I'm glad."
Chrom and Robin are glad that their future daughter reunites with her partner Pokémon and Robin turns to Reina.
"Reina, you said that Adella would evolve two different forms. What's the other form that she would evolve to?" She asks.
"I think Kai would answer that." Reina says and turns to the trees. "Isn't that right?"
Out from the foliage, Kai walks out from it.
"I've been found out." He says.
"Kai, you have the other Lugarugan?" Chrom asks.
"That's right. Here I'll show you." Kai takes out a Pokéball and throws it into the air letting it pop open, revealing his Lugarugan but this one is different.
This Lugarugan resembles a slouched, bipedal wolf or werewolf. It has short red fur with white on its lower legs and a white streak that covers its face, underbelly, and tail. It has pointed, button ears with black tips, three large tufts of fur on each side of its face, a triangular black nose, and a mouth full of sharp teeth. While the sclerae, irises, and pupils of its eye are visible, they all glow a pinkish red and no distinctive colors are visible. A mane of fur covers its back and shoulders, sweeping forward over its head to form a crescent moon shape. On either side of its body, just below the shoulders, two small rocks resembling claws poke out of the mane. A single, bigger stone projects out of the front of the mane over its head. Each of this form's paws has three black claws, and it has a stubby tail covered in long fur.
"This is the other Lugarugan?" Robin asks.
"Wow. This one looks scary and cool at the same time." Lissa says.
Then Reina places her Zukan at Kai's Lugarugan and buzzes, "Lugarugan, the Wolf Pokémon, Midnight Form. It goads its enemies into attacking, withstands the hits, and in return, delivers a headbutt, crushing their bones with its rocky mane."
Lissa hums in interest as she looks closely at it. "What did you name this guy?"
"Fang." Kai answers.
"But is this one okay?" Robin asks.
"Don't worry." Kai pets his Lugarugan which pleases it. "I also raise this one as an Iwanko properly."
"I see."
"Oh yeah. We should go back to the camp before any more rumors spread." Kai says.
"You're right." Reina agrees.